At $23,866/yr net price, Multnomah University graduates earn $47,939/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,939/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,866 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,939/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,939/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,713/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,778/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,550/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,928/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,053/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $18,625 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $23,875 |
The Risk Factor
50.8% of students at Multnomah University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Multnomah University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $47,939 against a net price of $23,866 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Psychology graduates earn just $28,236 annually while carrying $18,625 in debt. Bible and Biblical Studies majors face an even tougher financial reality with $25,658 in yearly earnings and $23,875 in debt. These salary levels place graduates well below living wages in Portland's expensive housing market.
The 34% retention rate signals that many students recognize these financial challenges early and transfer elsewhere. Only half of students who stay actually graduate, creating additional risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing ministry or counseling work where compensation isn't your primary concern, and you have family support that minimizes borrowing. The 47% of students receiving financial aid suggests the school recognizes affordability issues, but even with assistance, the return on investment remains poor.
If you're career-focused and need your degree to generate solid earning potential, look elsewhere. Multnomah's regional job market limitations and program focus on lower-paying fields create a financial trap for students who borrow heavily. Consider state schools or institutions with stronger career services and higher-earning program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Multnomah University worth the cost?
Multnomah University graduates earn $47,939 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $23,866 per year and only a 51% graduation rate, the financial return is weak compared to other institutions.
What are the best paying programs at Multnomah University?
Psychology graduates from Multnomah University earn around $28,236 annually, while Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn about $25,658. Both figures are significantly below national averages for college graduates, making debt payback challenging.
How much debt do Multnomah University students typically graduate with?
Multnomah University students graduate with a median debt of $20,250. Given that graduates earn around $47,939 after ten years, this debt load is manageable compared to many private colleges, though earnings remain low overall.
Does Multnomah University have a good graduation rate for the money?
Multnomah University has a 51% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their degree. This poor completion rate, combined with below-average post-graduation earnings, makes the investment risky.